Apple's new CarPlay partners include Chrysler, Mazda and more

Apple and Google are preparing to duke it out in the automotive arena, and the former just nabbed a few more partners to add to its arsenal of allied car makers. The folks in Cupertino quietly updated the CarPlay section of the site to include a handful of new names, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat (including those flashy, track-friendly Abarth models), Jeep and Mazda. That brings the full number of CarPlay partners to 31... though that count includes sub-brands like Dodge's RAM line of pickups and aftermarket players like Alpine and Pioneer. Of course, it's not like these car manufacturers are playing favorites or anything: a majority of them are also members of the Open Automotive Alliance, an organization that's focused on bringing Android Auto into cars as soon as this year. Long story short, you won't just have to worry about financing and trim levels next time you buy a car -- chances are good your smartphone will factor in the decision too.